Tomorrow (Nov 18) Sony will release the A7II firmware update which adds impressively improved AF performance and uncompressed RAW. And on Sunday (Nov 22) Sony will launch their first Black Friday deals.
The official press text about the upcoming A7m2 firmware update:
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 4, 2015 – Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has announced plans to release a free firmware update for α7 II cameras on November 18th that will add uncompressed 14-Bit RAW image capture and activates phase detection AF for faster and more precise autofocus with lenses designed for interchangeable-lens cameras including Sony’s α mount system.
The α7 II becomes the latest Sony full-frame camera, along with α7S II, α7R II and RX1R II to offer uncompressed RAW capture, which becomes a selectable feature (uncompressed/compressed RAW) within the menu system.
Additionally, it becomes the second Sony camera, along with the flagship α7R II, to offer fully-functional phase detection AF to A-mount lenses in addition to E-mount lenses. The firmware update activates the 117-point focal plane phase detection AF sensor on the α7 II for lenses beyond just the native Sony FE lenses. This includes Sony’s extensive collection of A-mount lenses, which can be utilized along with the LA-EA3 mount adapter.
“We’re continuing to innovate, with a clear focus to ensure we are meeting the needs and demands of Sony α customers,” said Neal Manowitz, Vice President for Digital Imaging at Sony Electronics. “The addition of Uncompressed 14-Bit RAW processing and the activation of phase detection AF brings a level of performance and versatility to the α7 II that is well beyond any camera in its class.”In addition to these feature upgrades, the MOVIE button can now be assigned to a custom button..
The new firmware, version 2.0, will be available for download at no cost through Sony’s e-support site www.esupport.sony.com on the product page for model “ILCE-7M2”.
43 Responses
Naaaaaiiiiiiiceee!
I take it offical price won’t get any lower than ￥16000，even on black friday.
Where is firmware for A7s ?
Any news about firmwareupdate for A7R and A7S?
Probably won’t happen. But one would think that the A7II update would work for the A7
This is depressing, no true 14 bit raws for older bodies?
I hope you are wrong, A7/s/r user base is quite big.
Will the 2.0 update for the A7II also bring a setting for minimal shutter speed at Auto-ISO, like the A7RII?
This would make me very happy!
I can`t find any limitation with the new firmaware regarding shutter speed at auto ISO!
Unfortunately the update didn’t bring such setting…. Anyway… 14-bit uncompressed RAW and the AF update make up big time for this omission.
Now this update makes A7ii as attractive as A7rii for people who are happy with 24MP
I’m currently an A6000 owner – unless an APS-C camera with IBIS and/or the new PDAF algorithm is announced before the end of November, this update is what is going to push me to full frame.
people who are happy with 24MP … and 1080p… no 4K.
The firmware is already released in ireland.
http://www.sony.ie/support/en/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce7m2-firmware-update-ver200-win/ILCE-7M2
Sick, when I picked up an A7ii I had totally accepted the fact that Sony would never do any substantive firmware updates so this is a bonus!
Well this does make a change of direction for Sony!
It is a little curious that it took an update to provide full AF support for the A mount lenses, but at least they have done it now.
Perhaps these firmware updates are a new and positive sign that Sony feel they will get even stronger support and a better reputation if they listen to and address people’s issues. We can but hope!
I believe that Sony is listening and trying to improve their reputation but will these uncompressed RAW firmware updates trickle down to the A7 series mk1 models too ?
I would be happy to have this for my A7r mk1 as it will make it an even better camera.
A7 Mk II Firmware 2.0 out in Sony UK
http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce7m2-firmware-update-ver200-win/ILCE-7M2K
Enjoy
Will this be compatible with cameras not from Europe?
I’m kind of impatient, so it would be cool if the same firmware worked across all regions.
It works for my Norwegian version!
I’m doing it now with Korean version. Did you check the focus speed with third party lenses through AF adapters?
No, sry 🙁
Yeah works fine. Bought my camera in Australia. Got a MB v4 EF adapter and phase detection autofocus finally works on my Canon 70-200 f4.
Thanks for the confirmation. Much appreciated.
Works with dutch cam !
The firmware 2,00 is available at:
http://www.sony.ie/support/en/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce7m2-firmware-update-ver200-win/ILCE-7M2
Sony absolutely positively needs to make a more professional style body.
This list is a good starting point, Copying the Lieca features is a good starting point.
Sony has accomplished and continues to accomplish the difficult part of making top notch pro level sensors and electronics, second to none….but then handicaps themselves by only offering it in amatuar/consumer level bodies.
You need a top notch body to compete with the big boys…doesnt Sony get that.
Offer 2 body styles…the consumer body and the pro body…what is so difficult about that Sony…???????
No matter how good a camera you make you need a pro level body to put it in.
Canon laughs at you because you just dont get it!!!!!!!!!
Who knows? Maybe Sony will! Goodness knows they love releasing new camera bodies all the time. Ha!
I dont understand something, can anyone explain me:
The A7II has the same Senor as the A7. The “Phase Detection-AF” is on the Sensors, so if sony make a firmeware update for the A7, they can have that too ?
Two things.
First, the A7ii did not get .raw firmware update at the same time as A7Rii. A7ii firmware was delayed because it was lower priority. Then it’s fair to assume you have to be patient as well, because your A7 is lower priority than A7ii. A7ii users had to wait in line, and so must you.
Second, even if it was possible, it’s not guaranteed that you will get the firmware.
The best would be to write to Sony and ask if the A7 mk1 series will get the uncompressed RAW firmware update as well as if the A7 mk1 will get the AF firmware update as the A7 mk2.
Technically I do not see why not. It will also boost Sony’s reputation if these firmware updates were released for the mk1 models.
Now, Sony may have to look at the costs and ressources footprint of these firmware updates developments to ensure that it provides them with a good enough upside too. I think that anything that would boost A7 camera owners / users confidence in Sony will help Sony in the long run.
I too would be happy to get the uncompressed RAW or lossless compressed RAW firmware update for my A7r mk1… Let’s wait and see.
The buffer fills up rather quick with the uncompressed raw files 😉 But it is nice to have as a option! COOL!
Anybody know which version of LR/PS is required for handling the uncompressed raw?
I am using CC2015….that works…
With the new firmware, AF is fast using Techart III adapter (version 1.2.0) with Sigma 35mm, Canon 300mm f4L (non IS), but it can’t focus the macro lens EF 180mm f/3.5 L. With Viltrox II adapter, the Sigma Art 35mm even can focus better. A cheap adapter Kooka also can focus fast with Sigma Art and 300mm L. I’m happy that it’s the first time I see my tele 300mm L works almost like using Canon body.
And my LA-EA4 adapter somehow also works faster and more accurately. I’m amazed!
It is released already
Windows http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce7m2-firmware-update-ver200-win/ILCE-7M2
Mac http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce7m2-firmware-update-ver200-mac/ILCE-7M2
Anyone tried the AF on A-mount lens through a cheap A-E adapter like the Fotodiox instead of the LA-EA3?
Hope this answers your question ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjJxnIQcJDA
Anyone know if an update like this can physically happen for the A6000 and maybe even the A5100 with their PDAF points as well? If not, why? Has Sony said it can’t or won’t happen?
I think the writing is on the wall after this release. No more bodies every six months. We don’t really need an A7III anyway right now. I would expect a 100 percent increase in AF performance next time around anyway.
Sony, now that you have three very competitive cameras on the market it’s time to go hard core on the lens releases. Next year should be a shiiit storm of lenses every month. Oh, and maybe a new flash system. I’ll take the lenses first.
Here’s hoping. I’ve been itching to switch from Nikon to Sony for over a year now, but so far their lens offering is just so disappointing. The lack of FE primes and zooms at wildlife/sport telephoto lengths is stopping so many professionals buying up the sony cameras. Imagine all those photogs attending football and other sport events (olympics, world cups, euro’s) who would switch to a Sony with IBIS if they released some telephoto lenses with had no stabilisation (to reduce weight and size) and using similar tech to Nikon’s PF coating.
I got a slew of Camera Error please turn the camera off and on again issues this afternoon. Anyone else started having these after the update? (Probably coincidence)